WAPA WARNS OF MORE POWER CHALLENGES AS VIRGIN ISLANDS OUTAGES CONTINUE

Emergency legislative meeting exposes equipment failures, financial struggles and years-long wait for permanent generating units

ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Persistent power outages and WAPA’s worsening financial challenges took center stage Tuesday as the 36th Legislature called utility officials to account for the ongoing electricity crisis affecting St. Thomas and St. John.

During an emergency meeting chaired by Senator Avery L. Lewis, WAPA CEO Karl Knight and his executive team outlined mechanical failures, mounting financial obligations and delays in securing permanent generating equipment.

WAPA attributed recent blackouts to the loss of GE Unit 27 and operational problems affecting two Wärtsilä units. Although Unit 27 has reportedly been repaired, officials indicated that repairs to the Wärtsilä units could take approximately two more weeks.

The authority’s financial situation is adding to the challenge, with outstanding fuel bills, rising diesel costs and limited working capital threatening its ability to advance critical infrastructure projects.

Permanent generating equipment is not expected until 2028 or 2029, forcing WAPA to explore temporary solutions, including refurbished generators, a floating power barge and additional generating capacity for St. John.

WAPA is also pursuing emergency regulatory approval for an interim power strategy, with a meeting scheduled with the St. John Coastal Zone Management Board on October 29.

Senator Lewis emphasized that residents deserve reliable electricity, transparent answers and a concrete plan to improve service.

For families and businesses already struggling with repeated outages, the central question remains: How will WAPA provide dependable electricity while residents wait years for permanent solutions?